A Little Easter Bunny Awareness

Posted on April 19, 2014

Easter is upon us tomorrow, and we’d like to take a moment to remind everyone to make your Easter bunnies chocolate! Every year, there’s a post-Easter influx of bunnies arriving at animal shelters across the U.S. The Humane Society writes:

After cats and dogs, rabbits are the animals most commonly surrendered to animal shelters.

Many of those surrendered rabbits filling up shelters and rescues were likely Easter gifts once themselves, given up after the novelty inevitably wears off and the reality of long-term pet care sets in. Less lucky than those in shelters are the pet rabbits released outside to fend for themselves (unlike wild rabbits, domestic rabbits can’t survive on their own outdoors). Chickens and ducks, the other Easter basket mainstays, also require dedicated, consistent care, and far too many of these birds end up in shelters and sanctuaries in the weeks after Easter.

Rabbits are a familiar symbol of the Easter holiday. In the days leading up to it, they appear on television commercials and packages of candy, and stores are filled with stuffed rabbits. It is no surprise that children beg their parents for a bunny of their own. Ill-prepared to care for these unique creatures, their “owners” often quickly tire of them. In the months following Easter, local humane societies and rabbit rescues are flooded with rabbits, former Easter gifts whose “owners” no longer want them. The unlucky ones are dumped outside where predators, cars, illness, and injury virtually guarantee an early death.

We encourage would-be bunny owners to do their research on what it takes to care for rabbits, who can live over a decade, and to adopt whenever possible. For more information, check out the sites of the House Rabbit Society, the Humane Society, and Make Mine Chocolate.

What Others Are Saying

DebbieApril 19, 2014 at 10:02 pm

This is heartbreakingly, wrenchingly true. Please spread awareness and let us take responsibility in making wise decisions and bring relief and education when we can to spare these wonderful creatures any suffering or pain or abandonment.

You are totally right! Bunnies are the cuttest live being that demand attention, love and interactions! Once you understand and accept this, be ready to live a daily extraordinary expérience and relationship! Happy bunday !

I am currently fostering two “Easter bunnies”– one that was surrendered when she hit puberty and started nipping, and one that was dumped in a parking lot. She was lucky enough to be found by animal control before she was found by a hawk. Both beautiful girls are patiently waiting for their forever home. Remember: Adopt, Don’t Shop!